(NYT/CBS) Poll Reveals Depth and Trauma of Joblessness in U.S.

[Bozita]

Source: NYTimes

December 15, 2009
Poll Reveals Depth and Trauma of Joblessness in U.S.

By MICHAEL LUO and MEGAN THEE-BRENAN
More than half of the nation’s unemployed workers have borrowed money from friends or relatives since losing their jobs. An equal number have cut back on doctor visits or medical treatments because they are out of work.

Almost half have suffered from depression or anxiety. About 4 in 10 parents have noticed behavioral changes in their children that they attribute to their difficulties in finding work.

Joblessness has wreaked financial and emotional havoc on the lives of many of those out of work, according to a New York Times/CBS News poll of unemployed adults, causing major life changes, mental health issues and trouble maintaining even basic necessities.

The results of the poll, which surveyed 708 unemployed adults from Dec. 5 to Dec. 10 and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus four percentage points, help to lay bare the depth of the trauma experienced by millions across the country who are out of work as the jobless rate hovers at 10 percent and, in particular, as the ranks of the long-term unemployed soar.

Roughly half of the respondents described the recession as a hardship that had caused fundamental changes in their lives. Generally, those who have been out of work longer reported experiencing more acute financial and emotional effects.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/15/us/15poll.html?ref=us

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But, but, but the markets are up.

And the Banksters seem happy.

[sasquatch]

1. Gee, I wonder why the hellots would become upset

[Mari333]

2. been dipping into my retirement funds to help my son and his wife

through some rough patches, they pay me back small amounts per month. he has 3 degrees cannot find job shes a head chef works 12-13 hour days . new baby, etc. rough stuff for the youngins.

[Mithreal]

3. new normal

[Faygo Kid]

4. Been there during the Bush years, and here it comes again.

My significant other loses her job at the end of the year (two weeks). In her late 50s, and always the consummate professional. I went through a period of unemployment (Bush years, of course), and know its toll. She doesn't, yet. So long as I have a job, she will be OK, but OK is hardly enough for a lifetime of hard work and achievement flushed away. Please check the article out. Extraordinary.

[MannyGoldstein]

5. Anyone Know The Menu At Today's White House Soiree For Bank CEOs?

Maybe little canapes with caviar and quail egg. Mmmm....

[change_notfinetuning]

6. Yes, markets are up and bulls hit jackpot. It's called a bulls hit recovery. n/t